Flying High - From Cabin Crew to Team Member
At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) we recognise that your work experience, regardless of the industry, provides you with great transferrable skills that you could bring to a job with us.
We caught up with team member Danielle who, having worked as Cabin Crew for 2 years, found herself on furlough last summer, so joined M&B at the Thames Court in Shepperton…
What made you look for a job in hospitality?
I was put on furlough from my Cabin Crew role and I enjoy being social, chatting to people and trying to put a smile on people's faces, so it felt like a natural fit to find out which pub and restaurant was right for me. I am currently back flying after a period of furlough and still working at my M&B job when I have my days off. I just let my General Manager know when I can work and he fits me in to the rota, which I am very grateful for as it is a great help to have the flexibility.
How did you find the transition from Cabin Crew to your team member position in M&B?
There are a lot of similarities between both roles, the main thing being giving 100% great customer service to all customers. So, the transition was fine as I am used to trying to achieve this daily. I would say the only difference is with M&B I don’t have to be at work for 5am haha!
Are there any parallels in your pub job to your Cabin Crew job?
As I said before there are a lot of similarities. Both roles are very customer focus and also having the knowledge of food allergies is really important in both roles. Also, dealing with situations such as people celebrating birthdays or even grieving a loved one. You never really know what type of day you're going to get which I love, every day is different and a learning curve.
What are the biggest differences?
I would say the biggest difference is the time my day starts. My cabin crew job my day could start at 5am and could finish at 6am as whilst I’m working the passengers are all sleeping. One other big difference is the customers from different destinations, it's up to us to know the key facts and knowledge about what is needed to help us serve our customers and what could be disrespectful in one Country, could be good manners in another. With working with M&B most of our customers are family's looking to have a lovely lunch, dinner or just popped in for a drink so it is more relaxed which I love.
Would you recommend Mitchells & Butlers to anyone currently working, or on furlough, from their Cabin Crew job?
I would definitely recommend M&B to anyone who is looking for a job while they are on furlough or alongside their Cabin Crew job. It was great while I was on furlough last summer enjoying the weather but still getting up and having that routine with my pub job, and now I just fit both jobs around each other.
What is the best thing about working for M&B?
I enjoy the 33% staff discount haha! And the great range of bars and restaurants. But really, I enjoy the team I work with. We all get on really well and have a good laugh while at work, but still working our butts off. I have made some friends for life.
Bring your transferable skills to a job at M&B
Are you ready for a change? With 80% of the UK living within 5 miles of an M&B pub, we're bound to have an opportunity for you. Search for your local job, or explore our culture and benefits pages to find out more about why M&B could be a great fit.
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